HYROX got its start as an indoor fitness event and has exploded in popularity over the past few years. Over 90,000 athletes competed in the 22/23 Season alone and each event typically sells out – with waiting lists into the thousands. 

HYROX is also a training modality that may just be a game-changer for those seeking a well-rounded fitness approach.

What is HYROX Training?

Hyrox Training is high-intensity and combines various elements. The training can include running, rowing, and functional strength exercises. All of which tests the athlete’s endurance and strength.

Key Ingredients of HYROX Training.

• Running: Athletes may run varying distances, requiring both speed and endurance.
• Rowing: Hyrox incorporates rowing. Rowing boosts cardiovascular fitness and targets multiple muscle groups, providing a full-body workout.
• Functional Strength Exercises: Athletes tackle functional movements, such as burpee broad jumps, sled pushes, farmers carry, sandbag lunges and wall balls. These exercises enhance strength, flexibility, and athletic ability. They are also similar to movements you would see in a traditional CrossFit class.

How Do CrossFit & HYROX Compare?

At first glance, CrossFit and HYROX might seem like variations on the same functional fitness theme and there are many similarities. But there are key differences.  Here’s some main points on how the two compare:

• Exercises: The exercises required in HYROX training have been specifically chosen so that they are relatively safe and simple to perform.  It is designed as a sport for everyone. There isn’t a huge amount of skill needed to perform them.  In CrossFit however, there are sometimes very complex, technical, movements required. 
• Training Stimulus: The time taken to complete a HYROX race is, on average, 1.5 hours. This means HYROX training tends to be focused more on an endurance stimulus. Incorporating some HYROX training into your traditional CrossFit routine will dramatically improve your cardiovascular conditioning & endurance!
• Running: Whilst running is sometimes involved in a CrossFit workout, it generally doesn’t feature too heavily in the sport.  In HYROX training however, you will see much more running. This is yet another reason to mix it in to your CrossFit routine. It helps fill a gap CrossFitters tend to ignore!
• Strength: The strength requirements in CrossFit tend to be higher than in HYROX training. While you absolutely will encounter strength training in each class, the focus will be much more on the endurance stimulus.
• Class Structure: Many HYROX classes will incorporate rotating to various stations for a time duration, unlike the traditional format of a CrossFit class (warm up, strength, WOD).

Should I Try HYROX Training?

Incorporating HYROX training into your routine is a fantastic idea for many reasons:

• Injury Prevention: By incorporating a variety of exercises philosophies and training styles, a hybrid athlete (an athlete who utilizes multiple training modalities) can help prevent injury by addressing imbalances and weaknesses.
• Increased Cardiovascular Health & Fitness: By including more endurance based workouts into your fitness program you will increase heart & lung health. Besides the obvious health benefits, his will improve your ability to crush most CrossFit WOD’s with out getting winded or fatigued as quickly.
• Simplified Movements: By keeping the movements in HYROX training simple to perform, it allows athletes to focus on pushing themselves to the limit with lower concerns of injury and less technical skills required. If gymnastics or Oly lifting tend to be where you struggle in CrossFit class, you’ll love HYROX training!

How Can I Try HYROX Training?

Great news! SoLa CrossFit is a HYROX Partner Gym and just launched some HYROX classes that take place on Tuesday/Thursday at 9am. We will also be running some Intro To HYROX classes on upcoming Saturdays! Get more information by setting up a Free Intro or taking advantage of our Free Week Trial.